Fem van Empel "really didn't expect that before the season" as she takes yet another win in Tabor

Fem van Empel has added Tabor to the list of UCI World cup victories. The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider secured her third world title of the season as she rode to victory in the Czech town of Tábor on Sunday.

“The legs weren't even that good," she said post-race interview. She was not in her best form, and insufficient sleep can severely affect decision-making, yet she somehow managed to finish the race. “The jet lag really took its toll. I didn't get much sleep the past few days."

It was not an easy victory as she had to deal with Puck Pieterse and Annemarie Worst on the final lap, who refused to back down. "An attack on the last climb turned out to be enough. I knew Puck would jump over the bars. The pace to the beam part was therefore very high, but I could otherwise follow her on the climbs," said van Empel.

Having achieved a great deal, the young Dutch rider intends to rest before moving to Maasmechelen to target another World Cup. "Three World Cup wins, I really didn't expect that before the season. It is just a long season, and maybe I should take some rest. Next week, though, I'll just be there in Maasmechelen," concluded van Empel.